The opening shot of This World Can’t Tear Me Down is a chaotic street protest, animated with a rough, sketchy quality that mirrors the frenetic energy of Rome’s political tensions. Created by Italian cartoonist Zerocalcare, this Netflix series dives headfirst into the messy reality of neighborhood politics and personal struggle.

The story revolves around Zero (voiced by Zerocalcare himself), an anti-fascist activist who finds his world upended when an old friend returns to their Roman neighborhood after years away. The series deftly weaves together political unrest—sparked by the opening of a refugee shelter—and personal drama as Zero tries to help his friend navigate a changed world. Zerocalcare’s signature animation style, with its raw, expressive lines and vibrant colors, brings a distinct visual identity to the screen, making even the most mundane scenes feel alive.

What works best in This World Can’t Tear Me Down is its emotional authenticity. The voice acting, particularly Valerio Mastandrea as Armadillo (Zero’s conscience), adds depth and nuance to the characters. The series excels in moments of quiet introspection, such as when Zero reflects on his own inadequacies while trying to help his friend. The soundtrack, a mix of Italian and international tracks from artists like The Clash and Oasis, perfectly complements the narrative’s emotional beats.

However, the series stumbles in its pacing and structural choices. The non-linear storytelling, which starts in media res before backtracking to provide context, can feel disjointed at times. While this approach aims to create intrigue, it occasionally sacrifices clarity for the sake of style. Additionally, some episodes struggle to balance the political themes with personal storytelling, leading to moments that feel heavy-handed or preachy.

Ultimately, This World Can’t Tear Me Down is a series with heart and ambition but one that could have benefited from tighter editing and a clearer narrative focus.